To prepare for the test, nothing should be eaten for 10-12 hours beforehand. This is called a fasting blood test and is usually done first thing in the morning between dinner the night before and a late breakfast.

The blood test may be done at a clinic by a phlebotomist or by a practice nurse or GP at your doctor's surgery. A syringe of blood may be taken or a finger prick test carried out.

Who should have a cholesterol test?

GPs will usually arrange cholesterol blood tests for people who are over 40 and those with other risk factors for high cholesterol:

Inside your cholesterol numbers:

LDL (low density lipoprotein cholesterol). LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and increase the chances of getting heart disease. That is why LDL cholesterol is referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol. The lower your LDL cholesterol number, the better it is for your health.

HDL (high density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called "good" cholesterol) HDL cholesterol protects against heart disease by taking the "bad" cholesterol out of your blood and keeping it from building up in your arteries. A higher number for this cholesterol is a good sign.

Triglycerides (fats carried in the blood from the food we eat. Excess calories, alcohol or sugar in the body are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells throughout the body.

The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL - total cholesterol divided by HDL - should be below 4.

Doctors will set individual cholesterol targets for patients based on their overall risk factors. Treatment may involve diet changes to cut down on bad fats, increasing exercise, or taking cholesterol lowering medication, such as statins.

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